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Updated: Oct 2, 2025
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Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt
Published on: August 7, 2017
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Dynamics of deep-submarine volcanic eruptions
Eric L Newland1, Nicola Mingotti2, Andrew W Woods2
1Department of Earth Science, BP Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. eln36@cam.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|March 1, 2022
Summary
Explosive submarine eruptions create widespread deep-sea deposits. New experiments reveal how buoyant plumes carry fine ash far, while dense flows form seabed deposits, explaining observed eruption patterns.
Area of Science:
- Geology
- Oceanography
- Volcanology
Background:
- Explosive submarine eruptions produce extensive deep-sea deposits.
- Previous models struggled to explain far-reaching fall deposits from deep-sea eruptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms behind deep-sea eruption deposit formation.
- To reconcile laboratory findings with field observations of submarine eruption deposits.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments simulating turbulent fountains from submarine eruptions.
- Analysis of particle sedimentation and fluid dynamics within eruption plumes.
- Comparison of experimental results with field data from submarine volcanic events.
Main Results:
- Submarine eruption fountains entrain seawater, becoming denser and collapsing.
- Particle sedimentation allows buoyant, hot water to form a separate plume.
- This plume transports fine ash, creating widespread fall deposits, while collapsed material forms seabed flow deposits.
Conclusions:
- A dual mechanism of buoyant plume transport and dense flow explains concurrent fall and flow deposits.
- This model enhances understanding of deep-sea explosive eruption dynamics.
- Findings provide a framework for interpreting submarine volcanic deposits, including those from Havre Volcano.
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